Match report: Gillingham 1-1 Port Vale
Gillingham 1-1 Port Vale: Defender Remie Streete headed in his sixth goal of the season but Port Vale were denied at the death by a Gillingham equaliser.
Manager Michael Brown made two changes bringing in Danny Pugh and Kjell Knops for Olamide Shodipo and Scott Tanser.
In a scrappy first-half Vale had the first real chance. Tyler Walker’s effort was spilled by Gillingham keeper Stuart Nelson but JJ Hooper missed a good chance to open the score.
Hooper had an appeal for a penalty turned down and Streete had a header go wide as Vale continued to create chances while Fasan had to be alert to save efforts from the ever-dangerous Bradley Dack, Rory Donnelly and Oshilaja.
Nelson spilled the ball for a second time in the closing moments but unfortunately Tyler Walker was unable to take advantage as it ended goalless at the break.
However, the Valiants did take the lead early in the second-half. Danny Pugh’s drive was tipped over and from the resulting corner Remie Streete headed in his sixth goal of the season.
The home side were second-best to a resilient Vale defence in which the recalled Knops had a good game. Meanwhile, Vale had further chances for Foley and Defreitas but as the game approached the final stages Vale did have to hold on as the home side pressed.
However, with the last corner of the game, the home side netted a cruel equaliser in the fifth and final minute of injury time as Josh Parker scored from a free header. It was a bitter blow for Vale who had looked good for the three points and a first win of 2017.
However, Michael Brown, his side and the 129 loyal Vale fans duly departed Gillingham with a potentially vital point in their battle to escape the drop.
Full-time: Gillingham 1-1 Port Vale